PUCT assesses $144,100 in penalties for electric rule violations

Sep. 13—AUSTIN — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) assessed $144,100 in penalties for violations of electric rules at its open meeting this week. The Commission has primary oversight and economic regulatory authority over the state's electricity, water, and telecommunications industries.

The Commission approved settlement agreements in two separate dockets:

— Docket No. 56118: A settlement agreement with a retail electric provider (REP) for rule violations related to re-enrolling existing customers without affirmative consent (PURA § 17.004 and 39.101 and 16 TAC § 25.475(e)). The REP agreed to pay an administrative penalty of $32,900. The REP also agreed to calculate any price difference between re-enrolled customers' original plan and the new electricity plan and, if the customer was charged a higher price, refund the difference.

— Docket No. 56561: A settlement agreement with a REP for rule violations related to disconnection of service for nonpayment during extreme weather emergencies (16 TAC § 25.483(j)). The REP has implemented measures to prevent future violations and agreed to pay an administrative penalty of $111,200.

Administrative penalty payments are made to the PUCT and are ultimately deposited into the state's general fund. Typically, payments must be made within 30 days of the signed final order.

A recording of this week's open meeting is available here on the PUCT website. The next PUCT open meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.